Democrats Lose Top Recruit in Florida House Race

Alex Sink, the Democratic nominee in a recent high-stakes special election in Florida, will not challenge GOP Rep. David Jolly to a rematch in the 13th District this November.

“I am so honored and humbled by the outpouring of support our campaign received, but after reflection with my family I have made a personal decision not to run for the 13th Congressional District seat in the 2014 election,” she said in a statement released Tuesday.

“I want to thank every voter, volunteer and donor for their support – we can all be proud of the strong campaign we ran. I look forward to finding new, rewarding avenues where I can continue to effectively serve the people of Florida.”

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Steve Israel, D-N.Y., lobbied for Sink to run again in the aftermath of the party’s March 11 loss. The day after the special election, he told reporters he had already called her to encourage her to run again.

Sink lost to Jolly by about 2 points. Some Democrats privately groused about her performance on the trail, but operatives acknowledged that she was a powerhouse fundraiser.

“I commend Alex Sink for her strong campaign, which truly reflected her career of passionate service to Florida’s families and I know she will continue to make significant contributions to her community,” Israel said in a statement. “Pinellas residents have voted time and again for commonsense solutions instead of reckless partisanship, which is why we are confident our Democratic nominee can prevail on Election Day.”

The race is currently rated Leans Republican by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.